Storm Water Drainage
WHAT IS STORM WATER POLLUTION?
Most of us have heard the slogan, "We All Live Downstream" This is very true!
Most of our rainwater and snow melt water (storm water runoff) travels through the gutters, storm drains, irrigation ditches, and canals and eventually makes its way into the Jordan River.
The largest source of storm water pollution in Utah results from every day activities. The most common pollutants are:
TRASH: fast-food wrappers, cigarette butts, styrofoam cups, etc.
TOXINS: used motor oil, antifreeze, fertilizer, pesticides, sewage overflow, pet droppings, etc.
SEDIMENT: sand, grit & silt from disturbed earth and erosion.
These pollutants are picked up as water (from rain, hoses, sprinklers, streets, parking lots, driveways, etc.) enters the City's catch basins. From there, this "untreated" solution flows through a massive system of pipes and channels straight to the Jordan River.
Basically, anything dumped or dropped on the ground or in the gutter constitutes storm water pollution.
Is storm water treated?
NO. During a storm event, water runoff is carried by the City's storm drain, which drains to the Jordan River. Contaminated storm water receives no treatment because of the sheer volume of runoff. The cost of treating Sandy City storm water would be so high that it would exceed available resources.
Is there a difference between a storm sewer and sanitary sewer?
YES. The sanitary sewer and the storm sewer are two completely separate systems.
The sewer system, or sanitary wastewater system, takes all household waste from toilets, showers and sinks, and routes it through your plumbing system into a water treatment facility. Once there, it receives three levels of filtration treatment before being discharged to waterways in the U.S.
The storm water system, on the other hand, was intended to route rainwater off the streets during a heavy storm, but unfortunately takes all urban runoff with it. Chemicals, trash and debris from lawns, parking lots and streets, either intentionally or accidentally spilled, goes straight into storm water drainage, which eventually ends up in the Jordan River and the Great Salt Lake.
What are the effects of storm water pollution?
Health: Storm water pollution can pose a serious health risk to people due to pesticides, bacteria, and chemicals that are washed from our city streets, parking lots, and drainages.
Environment: Plants and animals living along the storm water routes may become sick or die from contact with storm water pollution.
Neighborhoods: Clogged catch basins significantly decrease the quality of life in many neighborhoods throughout Salt Lake County. These "nests" of trash and debris can attract rats and cockroaches, create foul odors, and clog the storm drain system affecting neighborhood aesthetics and property values, and may cause local flooding.
Construction Projects within our City:
Please visit http://www.waterquality.utah.gov/UPDES/stormwater.htm to obtain necessary forms and permits under the Utah Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (UPDES). A copy of this permit will need to be provided to Sandy City. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required to be submitted to Sandy City Public Utilities prior to construction.
Note: The State of Utah, Division of Water Quality requires that a copy of the SWPPP be located/accessible on construction sites prior and during construction.
Please visit the Salt Lake County Stormwater Coalition at www.stormwatercoalition.org